Sixteen one-paragraph answers to the questions we are asked most, each leading to the full guide or handbook when you want more.
What does FGAA mean?
Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia: the professional gemmology qualification awarded after examined study and practical assessment. Every stone we sell is assessed by our FGAA-qualified gemmologist. Read more
Is a heated sapphire still natural?
Yes. Heating is a traditional, permanent enhancement of a natural stone and never means the stone is artificial. We disclose it on every stone; unheated stones are identified as such and priced accordingly. Read more
Are your gemstones natural?
Every gemstone we sell is 100% natural and earth-mined. As a matter of company policy we do not sell synthetic or man-made stones. Read more
What is a Ceylon sapphire?
A sapphire mined in Sri Lanka, historically Ceylon, the source of the classic bright blues and of most of the world's padparadscha. Our family has worked the Ceylon gem fields since the 1960s. Read more
What colours do sapphires come in?
Every colour except red, which the trade calls ruby. Blue is the classic; teal, parti, pink, yellow, green, white and padparadscha are all sapphire. Read more
What is a parti sapphire?
A single sapphire showing two or more colours, usually blue and green or yellow, in distinct zones. Australian fields produce the best of them. Read more
How hard is a sapphire?
Nine on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. It suits a ring worn every day. Read more
What does carat mean?
A unit of weight: one carat is 0.2 grams. Two stones of the same carat weight can look very different in size depending on their cut and depth. Read more
What is the difference between 9K, 14K and 18K gold?
The share of pure gold: 9K is 37.5%, 14K is 58.5%, 18K is 75%. Higher karat is richer in colour and softer; lower karat is harder-wearing. Read more
Can I put a sapphire in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Usually yes for sapphire and ruby; never for opal, emerald or pearl. Warm soapy water and a soft brush is safe for everything we sell. Read more
What is a Digital Gemstone Passport?
A signed, verifiable record of a stone's identity, carat, dimensions, origin and treatment, published for every loose stone we sell and checkable against our public register at any time. Read more
What is a certificate, and do I need one?
A laboratory report describing a stone's identity, measurements and treatment. We can arrange independent certification on any stone on request, and an independent valuation certificate for insurance. Read more
How long does a bespoke ring take?
Most commissions complete within two to four weeks from design approval, because the bench is ours. We confirm the timeline in writing before anything is cast. Read more
Can you remodel jewellery I already own?
Yes. Stones are reset, inherited pieces redesigned, several pieces combined into one, and your existing gold or platinum is credited against the new piece. Read more
What is September's birthstone?
Sapphire, and the traditional stone of the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. October is opal. Read more
How do I find my ring size?
Measure the inside of a ring you already wear, or wrap a strip of paper around the finger and read the circumference against our table. Read more
Go deeper
The complete library of 25 free buyer's handbooks, the 168-term Gem Lexicon and the Gem Data Tables are all free to read in full, no sign-up: Gem Guides · The Library · Full FAQ.